Liverpool fans suggest replacements for Philippe Coutinho

“LFC not heard at all from FCB since that offer they received while in Hong Kong. They insist they not selling and no plans for meetings.

“FCB have strategy based in patience but also admit that if it's not Coutinho it will be another one. And that they won't overspend on him.

“Coutinho has NOT handed a transfer request, has a back injury and still behaving impeccably according to club.”

The claims by Balague will provide comfort for Liverpool fans worried about losing their star player.

Yesterday, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said Coutinho would have to create a "war" if he wanted to leave Liverpool.

PA

Philippe Coutinho's Liverpool future is uncertain

"The good thing from the Liverpool fans' point of view is the manager is desperate to keep hold of him and is trying everything to keep hold of him," he said on BT Sport.

"The owners want him to stay. This is not a situation where Liverpool need money or to cash in.

"We're not a selling club so they're gonna do everything in their power for him to stay.

"But at the end of the day it comes down to Philippe Coutinho and his decision and what he's prepared to do, what type of war he's prepared to create to get out, because Liverpool won't make it easy for him."